Culture fair brings Guangzhou and Auckland closer together

The 2018 Guangzhou Culture Week, designed to increase global exposure to Guangzhou culture, began in Auckland, New Zealand on Feb 2 with a series of unique artistic performances by the Guangzhou International Friendship Art Troupe at the local Skycity Theatre.

The troupe was formed in 2017 by the Guangzhou municipal bureau of press, publication, radio, film and television and the foreign affairs office of the Guangzhou municipal government. The performance held on Feb 2 were the troupe's first of the year and marked the beginning of a series of celebrations leading up to the 30th anniversary of the sister city relationship between Guangzhou and Auckland next year.

Performers from the Guangzhou International Friendship Art Troupe perform a special dance at Skycity Theatre in Auckland on Feb 2. [Photo/xkb.com.cn]

Over 800 people attended the performances, which included Cantonese Opera, Lingnan acrobatics, folk dance, and five-stringed pipa playing. The fan favorite was famous Chinese jazz musician Wang Cong, who adroitly combined jazz and Cantonese Opera in his one-of-a-kind performance.

In the lead up to the Chinese New Year, the Guangzhou International Friendship Art Troupe will continue to give the world a taste of Guangzhou culture with performances in countries such as France, Germany, and Indonesia.

A Cantonese Opera show is held at Skycity Theatre in Auckland on Feb 2. [Photo/southcn.com]